Overview & Reviews

There are affordable cars, and then there are cars that offer thrilling performance. Rarely do the two ever converge, but Japanese automaker Mazda has made it a tradition of coming up with vehicles that combine both of these eminently desirable traits.

The Toyo Cork Kogyo Company, founded in 1920 in Hiroshima, Japan, used the name "Mazda" for its first three-wheeled truck, built in 1931. Company founder Jujiro Matsuda chose the word "Mazda" because it was the name of the Zoroastrian god of good and light. Work on a small sedan began in the late 1930s, but development was halted so the company could pitch in with Japan's war effort. In the wake of World War II and the rebuilding that followed, the company refocused its efforts on car development and manufacturing.

By 1960, the first Mazda automobile -- the R360 coupe -- was developed, and the company's foray into the production of passenger vehicles began in full force. Other landmark developments were soon to follow. In 1961, the company entered into a technical partnership with NSU and Wankel to develop and produce rotary engines, a union that led to Mazda's distinguishing itself as the only manufacturer to offer three engine configurations: conventional gasoline piston, diesel and rotary. The '60s also saw the introduction of the company's first pickup, the B-Series 1500, as well as its first rotary-engine vehicle, the 110S Cosmo Sport.

Mazda began selling cars in the U.S. in 1970. In the early part of the decade, the automaker rolled out the RX-2. Powered by the noted 12A rotary, the RX-2 introduced America to Mazda's effort to build cars that were affordable and fun to drive. The decade also saw the introduction of the RX-3, RX-4 and now iconic rotary-powered RX-7 sports car. In 1979, Ford Motor Company purchased a 25 percent stake in Mazda after the Japanese company encountered a number of financial difficulties.

The 1980s was a decade of rebirth for Mazda. The company officially took on the Mazda name (though all its vehicles since its launch in the '20s have carried that brand). It also witnessed an upswing in sales sparked by successful new products like the 323 (which was first called the GLC in the American market) and 626. The 1990 model year saw the launch of a car that would prove a huge hit for Mazda: the MX-5 Miata. Lauded for its ultra-responsive handling and affordability, the drop top has been a consistent favorite, and now holds the distinction of being the world's best-selling roadster.

Mazda began the 1990s with a bang by winning Le Mans with the 787B; it was the first time a Japanese automaker had won the prestigious race, and marked the only win for a rotary engine. Vehicles like the RX-7 and MX-5 Miata scored kudos from automotive journalists, and landed on many top 10 lists. However, save for the Miata, the company's vehicles experienced declining sales in the U.S., and the company's fortunes suffered as a result.

The new millennium has seen Mazda regain its stride, as the automaker has invested in new development. Models like the Mazda 2 and CX-9 have broadened the lineup and won over a whole new generation of fans, while the enthusiast-oriented RX-8 and Mazdaspeed performance models have exemplified the company's spirited philosophy. Most recently, Mazda has focused on designing its cars to be as fuel-efficient as possible while also still being fun to drive and affordable to own.

User Reviews:

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  Lemon - 2004 Mazda RX-8
  By GJT - June 27 - 10:00 am

  We bought our RX8 the week the first ones rolled into town. Loved everything about it except the weak AC. When the car idles at a stop light, the AC gets warm. However, the big issue is when temperatures get around 100 degrees, the car starts shaking and dies. Its been in the dealership for 2 months now and Mazda cannot fix it. They are doing a buyback of RX8s with this problem. Evidently it only affects automatics when they get very hot. We cannot even trade into another RX8 because they cannot tell with automatics will have this same problem. We will miss the car.

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  Mazda 3 i Touring Great First Car - 2010 Mazda Mazda3
  By David - June 27 - 8:20 am

  I bought this car for my teenage daughter due to safety,stability control,6 airbags, blutooth, and great gas milage for under $17500,but I have found it particularly fun to drive. This car exceeds all expectations. The interior is well laid out and the car is fun to drive period.

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  Dont judge this car by looks alone - 2006 Mazda RX-8
  By rick salzer - June 27 - 2:50 am

  I own this car and it has not even come close to the expectations I had for it. It looks great. But that is it. Performance is poor, it is slow, and finally it has not been very reliable at all. The starter has been a constant problem in the cold weather. The electrical system has given me problems. The tire pressure monitoring system has given me problems. If I could do it over again, I would absolutely never buy this car again. After my experience with the manufacturer, I will never buy another Mazda for that matter.

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  Better than Accord, maybe even Acura - 2009 Mazda Mazda6
  By JMike - June 27 - 2:06 am

  Have now owned the 6 for 3 months and like it more every day. Have had several sports cars (S-2000, 350Z)and had to go with a more sensible car this time. No withdrawal symptoms, the 6 is possibly taking Nissans title of 4 dr Sports Car. Also looked at the new Accord; have owned Hondas and Nissans in the past, and know both to be excellent cars and great values. I could not get past the ugliness of the new Accord or the price tag for the new Maxima. Getting 20mpg avg, think the 6 is comparable to Lexus and Acura

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  Poor in the elements - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By not enthused in MASS - June 26 - 7:40 pm

  Purchased with 6400 miles, turbo model with all upgrades, interior should have full leather, road noise from tires is horrible, tires wear very prematurely, poor in snow, wind noise with 1 window open, dash is chintzy, front window needs tint, gas mileage is not as advertised, traction control is useless. Trade value poor also, this is my third Mazda, (my past Miata and Mazda 6 are much better cars).

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  Fun going Topless - 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  By flash9 - June 26 - 1:13 am

  After looking at Miata, S2000, and the MR2. I finally decided if I could find a 2001 Miata SE (British Racing Green) for a fair amount I would buy on as a fun run about car. We have had the car for nearly a year and it has exceeded all expectations.

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  I LOVE IT - 2007 Mazda CX-7
  By larinkc - June 25 - 1:56 am

  We love our new CX-7. We had been shopping for about three months and we thought we had decided on a Murano, when we saw the CX-7 at the auto show. We decided to wait and drive one before we made our purchase. We love the way it handles and the gas mileage is better than we what have read about the Nissan. It is very "zippy" and I have NEVER heard a sound system in a car that was like the Bose sound system this thing has. The color we bought is Pearl White and we have the Technology Package. We will probably get another one when my husbands lease is up on his Lexus in August. What a great vehicle.

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  Dead at 47,000 miles - 2006 Mazda Tribute
  By sanzan - June 24 - 10:26 pm

  Ive had this car for 6 1/2 years and just paid it off months ago. I loved this car the entire time I had it. Rarely had to put any money into it other than maintenance. It was the perfect size for me and went great in the snow. Until last week. The valves started to tap and before I could get to a gas station to put oil in it, the engine locked up. No warning. Got it to the repair shop and upon inspection, they found that the engine was dead - $5,300 for a new engine. Since that is about what the blue book value is, I decided to just buy a new car. The oil had been changed last 4,000 miles ago. There was no reason for the oil to have leaked, but apparently it did. Trade in $500.

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  ZOOM ZOOM ZOOOM - 2003 Mazda Protege
  By ROCHELLE - June 24 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE ONE THAT I WILL NEVER PART FROM!

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  Mazda 3S Touring - 2006 Mazda Mazda3
  By Orland - June 23 - 9:46 pm

  I have recently purchased a 2006 Mazda3S Touring Manual w/ added rear wing spoiler, 6 disc-changer, moonroof ... and thanks to edmunds.com, I was able to become a smart buyer and purchased it at $17,915 (before taxes ... about $200 under invoice!). I did my research and it paid off. I did most of my research and dealing online and over the phone. So far, I love my ride and I am thankful for spending some time doing my research. Hope this helps... Zoom zoom zoom.